Ex-Victorian Liberal chief behind bars

The man who ran the Victorian Liberals for four years is behind bars for allegedly stealing $1.5 million from the party.

Former state Liberals director Damien Mantach, 42, has been charged with 44 counts of fraud after money allegedly went missing from the party's funds.

Mantach had announced in March he would step down from his role with the Victorian branch and take up a position in the federal system.

In August he was named when allegations of theft surfaced.

On Wednesday police charged Mantach with obtaining financial advantage by deception to the tune of $1.5 million.

Between June 1, 2010 and January 29 of this year, Mantach is alleged to have falsely represented tax invoices of the company Campaign Mail Logistics, which was registered to his wife, Jodie Mantach, according to charge sheets tendered in court.

Mantach briefly appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court where he did not apply for bail.